Suicide rate in Scotland falls during 2020

Scotland recorded 805 deaths in 2020 which were likely to be suicides - which is a slight decrease from 2019.

Figures from the National Records of Scotland showed the number of probable suicides decreased by 3% from 2019.

The suicide rate in Scotland's most deprived areas is three times the rate in the least deprived areas.

A total of 71% of the total deaths were male - however, the number of female deaths increased by 3% from the previous year.

Suicides were highest among men aged between 35 and 39.

In 2020, the fifth most-deprived areas had a mortality rate for suicide of 22.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

71% of the total number of deaths were men

In the fifth least-deprived areas, the rate stood at 7.5 per 100,000.

Responding to the statistics, Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "While the number of deaths by suicide have decreased slightly between 2019 and 2020, every one of these lives lost is a tragedy for families, friends and colleagues.

"The Scottish Government - and our partners working to prevent suicide - share the belief that no death by suicide should be inevitable, and we must put all our efforts into supporting anyone who feels this way.

Figures decreased by 3% from the previous year

"Our efforts to prevent people taking their own lives are especially important at a time when the impacts of the pandemic are putting significant additional strain on many people."

He continued: "Recognising those impacts, we have increased our investment into mental health support and services available to people during the pandemic, supported by a #120 million Recovery and Renewal Fund.

"It is important that people know there is help available if they are feeling suicidal.

"Anyone in need of support should contact their GP or call the NHS 24 helpline.

"Support can also be found online, through NHS Inform, and on the Samaritans and Breathing Space websites."

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